Welcome to Dangan-City
—Hajime PoV
Groaning lightly I come to awareness. Seeping out of the deep dredges of unconciousness and into reality. Face pressed up against the cold stone floor I wince slightly in discomfort before clawing my way up to standing.
Glancing around, my mind a whirl of information, the first thing that comes to mind is a blunt and simple. Where am I?
The room I awoke in is a simple grey monotone room with three glass windows along one wall and a simple office door opposite them. Along with a small tablet left lying on the floor beside me.
Reaching down I pick up the black and white tablet and turn it on. A message immediately pops up onto the screen.
——
Welcome to Despair City Hajime Hinata!
As the Ultimate ??? you have been granted permanent residence in this fine city!
The mayor is making an important announcement at the town square at 8! Don’t be late!
Also this is your Monopad, don’t lose it as there are no replacements!
——
And then it turned over to a normal tablet interface with four non-greyed out buttons. ID, City Map, City Legislations and lastly Options. Before them was three others labelled Notes, Message and Camera but they were greyed out.
Clicking ID pulled up a basic picture of myself along with a few details like this Ultimate ??? thing and some of my likes and dislikes. Weird.
Clicking off and shaking my throbbing head I sigh before concluding that I may as well go see what this announcement is about. Since I can barley remember what the hell is going on.
Last thing I recall is receiving a letter from Hope’s Peak about… something. I was a student there right? And I accepted… something.
Ugh, damn it. I can’t remember anything.
Tapping on the map I quickly find myself with a full 3D model of a city of some kind. Tapping around I managed to manoeuvre my way out of the room I was in and through a series of stairs until I exited the empty office building. Wincing slightly I looked up at the bright open sky filled with skyscrapers all aliens. Most this dull grey at various heights but some stood out in all sorts of colours and designs. Like this large school-like building standing across the eerily empty street before me. It’s gates are all chained up though in this bizarre black and white tape.
Weird. Shaking off a mildly growing feeling of dread and an unusual familiarity I pace myself along the strange and winding vacant roads towards the supposed town square. Where is everyone? This is a city right?
Passing by a stereotypical, and a bit comically designed, library locked up with the same tape as before and a dojo of some kind similarly locked I was making my way onwards until I heard a furious yell of frustration from the east.
People!
Immediately changing my priorities I rush over and find an unusual sight. A short brown haired high school girl dressed in a beige school uniform - seemingly a female version of my own surprisingly enough with the same odd logo on their jumpers left chest - kicking against a vending machine.
Now this alone isn’t too odd. But I don’t think school girls are meant to be literally sparking with electricity as they do.
‘They aren’t.’ Mutters a nondescript monotone voice in the back of my mind.
Nor should they be so brazenly revealing the underside of their skirt like that. Then again they are wearing shorts so I guess it’s fine?
Yeah, sure. As she reaches down and grabs a few cans that had spilled out of the probably broken machine. I step forward tensely before a can flies towards my head.
Catching it with a speed and reflex I never knew I had I glance over at the girl. “What? You just gonna leave it like that?” She asks brashly with another spark flickering across her hair. Unclipping one of her own cans and taking a sip as she does.
“Uh sure.” I mumble as I unclip my own can. Taking a slow drink of the refreshingly cool substance. I didn’t know I needed that but in hindsight I did. “Thanks.”
“Eh, don’t mention it. Anyway you got one of those weird tablet things too right?” Nodding in affirmation she huffs. “Yeah, any clue about these Ultimate things?”
Wait she doesn’t know about Hope’s Peak? Ultimate students representing the worlds most talented, that Hope’s Peak? Somethings seriously wrong here. I voice my concerns. “You mean you’ve never heard of Hope’s Peak.”
“Nope.” She declares confidently, popping the p as she does. “And you’ve been pretty wide eyed there yourself for a while now. Something bugging you?”
“Yeah, the whole…” Uh, who do you explain to the girl that her practically thrumming with electricity is odd? She seems pretty nonchalant so I may as well say. “Your whole sparking thing.”
“You’ve never seen an Esper before?” She asks with a raised eyebrow in mild disbelief. Now equally confused as myself it appears.
“Never heard of it. Though I think I heard the term in some manga before…” Yeah, Bon Psycho 99.
“Academy City?” Shaking my head again she sighs and gets an odd look in her eyes. “This is seriously weird. First the memory blank and now this…”
Falling into silence we both contemplate what the hell is going on for a moment before she sighs. “Oh well. May as well get introductions over and done with before heading to that town square place.” Raising a hand in offering she introduces herself. “Mikoto Misaka. Ultimate Esper apparently, and it’s nice to meet you.”
“Uh yeah.” Taking it gently I return the favour. “Hajime Hinata, Ultimate-“ Pausing as a throbbing headache assaults me I flinch as I let go. “I’m sorry, I don’t remember.”
Humming for a moment she looks at me oddly before two dings ring out across the street. As both our Monopads vibrate on que.
“Huh,” Taking it out we both glance over as ID flashes lightly. Tapping it reveals that both of our ID’s have been added to the other pads. “Neat.” Misaka summarises as she pops it away again. “Now let’s get going! Town square should be this way.”
Then we both head off. Me taking a generous scooping of the cans as we march on in general conversation towards the town square. Completely unaware as to what fate awaits us there, just naively going along.
—Later
“Looks like we’re here.” I comment as the both of us step into a large open grassy paradise. Filled with trees and plants all around and marked with several winding footpaths leading up the large hill at the centre. Where I faintly see a statue of some kind.
“It’s probably up there.” Misaka declares as she begins jogging onwards. “Come on!”
Pacing myself behind her we both quickly make our way to the top of the hill. Where we find almost a dozen similarly aged individuals standing around.
With us it makes sixteen in all. Almost an equal split between men and woman too.
One of them, a kindly brown haired man with soft eyes and wearing a long tan overcoat steps forward and declares. “That makes sixteen then. It seems everyone is finally gathered.”
“Everyone?” I unintentionally comment but he merely smiles kindly and explains.
“The Legislation makes a brief mention about sixteen citizens, though little more about why we’re here and what it means by Ultimate beyond it being a simple summary as to our capabilities.”
Huffing a significantly shorter blond haired girl with golden eyes garbed in a deep green military uniform comments. “And then there’s the fact that absolutely none of us seem to be from the same universe.”
“W-what!” I blurt out in bewilderment. That explains some things I guess, like how Misaka never heard of Hope’s Peak.
“Indeed.” Adds a youthful short black haired girl wearing a long sweeping maid uniform. Her silk gloves hands rubbing her chin as her rounded glasses glint in the sunlight. “A rather unusual occurrence.”
Despite its supposedly impossible nature a lot of this here group don’t seem too surprised. Though some like that posh looking long black haired guy dressed in a strange white embroidered uniform and that other brown haired guy, who looks a lot like the coat wearing guy, wearing a casual school uniform like myself and Misaka might just be hiding it. Just a feeling I’m getting.
‘Hm.’ That weird inner voice comments again. What even is it?
‘Later.’
Um, sure. I guess there’s enough going on that inner voices aren’t really surprising anymore. And there are more important stuff going on first.
“Oh yes I didn’t introduce myself did I?” Begins the kind coat wearing one. “I’m Goro Akechi, the Ultimate Prince Detective. It’s nice to meet you both.”
Prince Detective? Weird talent. But I can’t complain when I don’t even remember mine.
“Since we’re doing introductions I may as well continue. Tanya von Degurechaff, Ultimate Buisnesswoman.” Adds in the blond haired youthful girl. I would’ve pegged her a soldier more than a businesswoman, but I guess it is a cut throat world. So sure.
Then the also militant looking one continues the introductions. A red haired girl dressed in a long white uniform embroidered with a symbol of some kind right alongside the school badge we all share. With a mechanical cylinder strapped to her waist like a sword. “Lieutenant Ruby Rose. Ultimate Soldier. Pleasure.” With a blunt nod.
At her sight Misaka looks a bit sick. “Are you alright?” I mutter to her in a whisper which she shrugs off.
“Yeah, she just felt… familiar.” Rubbing her arm which sparked slightly she finishes. “It’s nothing.”
Giving her a concerned look I turn back to the rest of the strangers as introductions continue on.
“I’m Izumi!” Enthusiastically waves a cheerful greenette wearing an odd mix of a toga, kimono and dress all in one. With rounded shoulder straps that wrapped over each other into a green and blue flower design like a toga and two long sashes falling along her shoulders like a kimonos arm pieces. Both of which somehow fit in with their deep green design and wave decorations. Overall it was odd but somehow she made it work. “Izumi Midoriya! Ultimate Actress and current Hope’s Peak attendee in the 74th class! Nice to meetcha Hinata!”
“Uh, sure.” So she goes to Hope’s Peak, I wonder if she knows my talent, since she knows my name and all. But as I went to voice my query-
‘Don’t, she’s dangerous.’ Declares that inner voice of mine as my lips lock up tight. Does that mean you know who she is? I ask the voice.
‘No. But she reminds me of someone, and that someone is someone you mustn’t trust whatever the cost. So stay wary of her.’
Ok. I concede at the eerie unease that filled my veins with their words. “It’s nice to meet you Midoriya.” I return politely.
Smiling even wider than before she returns. “Please call me Izumi, same with you Biri-biri.”
“Biri-biri?” Misaka confusedly deadpans in shock. Was that supposed to mean something? But her features soon morph into irritation. “Where the hell did you-“
“Anyway, see ya around. Bye bye!” Midoriya declares before vanishing seemingly into thin air. A startled Misaka pausing for a moment before growling as sparks chase all across her body. Then before I could say a word she sprinted off after her.
Well that was… weird.
Shrugging it off I turn to the next among the unknown residents. A tall raven haired man chatting with the guy who looks a lot like Akechi.
“Oh!” The former begins startled as I approach and turns to address me. “Ah, you’re Hajime right?”
“Yeah.” How does he also know my name?
Nodding bin understanding he quickly introduces himself. “Lelouch Lamprogue, Ultimate Tactician. Though I don’t really get what I’ve done to deserve the title, I’m just really good at chess.”
Awkwardly scratching his cheek I return a shy smile. “Well at least you remember you’re talent. I’ve got no clue as to mine.”
“Really?” Begins the other student-looking character. He even sounds just like Akechi, really weird. “I’m Light Yagami, Ultimate Moral Compass. It’s nice to meet you.”
What the hell is an Ultimate Moral Compass? Weird but ok.
‘Don’t trust him.’
Seriously! Why do you keep telling me to not trust these people.
‘He lied about his Ultimate talent.’
Ok that is weird… But why would he do that. And of course the voice chooses not to reply.
“Hm? Is something wrong?” Yagami asks nicely.
“It’s nothing.” I mumble halfheartedly. Seriously what the hell is going on here?
Well only half the lot to go. Approaching the short blue haired rathe nondescript figure dressed in an odd suit with a half moon design tie. As I step closer he looks up form his tablet and quietly begins. “Hello. I’m Shota Nagisa, Ultimate Teacher. Well I’ve never taught before but I’m not really complaining about being given that as my talent.”
‘Don’t trust-‘
How many people do you want me to be suspicious of? Let me guess he lied about his talent?
The voices silence was telling. Why is my life getting so complicated all of a sudden?
“Its nice to meet you Nagisa.” I kindly reply, to which he - and I presume it’s a he - gives a wide smile.
“Same to you.” With a polite nod he turns back to his tablet as I go over towards the next group of strangers. Who appear to be in a brief argument of sorts.
“You call me short you damn cross dresser!” Huffs a rather short blond haired guy with a metal arm wearing a large overcoat and with his long hair tied back in a ponytail. Glaring towards the rather posh looking black haired guy - I guess considering the conversation at hand - wearing a maid uniform. With a long skirt that certainly doesn’t mislead people.
“So what? It’s not like I enjoy dressing like this you damn shrimp!” Rudely barks back the guy, and it’s definitely a guy.
“Yeah well it doesn’t look like it you maid!” Tensely stepping beside the pair I watch as they continue back and forth until a third figure steps in.
“Silence.” A long silver haired girl dressed in a school uniform steps in with of all things a sword over her hand. Concealing it as she sliced between the pair just as the blond had raised his gloved hands up to clap (?) them and the cross dresser had taken a large knife out of nowhere.
Both of them give the girl a quick look before huffing and turning away from each other. All tension vanishing as they do so.
“That was… something.” I comment numbly as the girl looks up at me.
“Ah, you’re… Hinata right?” Pausing to remember my name she comments as her blade vanished into sparks of light.
“That’s my name.” Though how everyone seems to know it is another story.
“I’m Kanade Tachibana, Ultimate Student Council President. You can come to me if you need help with anything.” She replies with a dull monotone and unchanging expression.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” To which she nods before marching off to the edge of the square we’re all mingling about in.
Turning to the blond haired guy still growling about being short. Cautiously approaching him I tensely begin. “Hello?”
Pausing he looks up and squints for a moment. “Ah introductions right?” Calming down significantly he gives. “Edward Elric, Ultimate Alchemist. Your Hinata right? Izumi went and said you’d be one of the two absent, since she apparently woke up in a Hotel place and found us all registered as guests there.” Well that explains a lot.
“Yeah I’m Hajime Hinata. And I don’t remember my talent.”
“Really? Weird as hell.” He huffs. “Whatever, see ya around.”
Waving me off I return before going over to the guy he was arguing with who seemed much calmer now. Just standing silently to the side of the group. Noticing my approach he answers. “Harry Potter. Ultimate Maid. If you need anything done come to me, my services are always open.” Blinking sheepishly I give him the once over again. It’s kind of obvious in hindsight but why maid? “Don’t bother asking me about that.” He answers my unspoken question once more. “And I woke up dressed like this, nothing more, so don’t get any weird ideas.”
Well you look way too comfortable in it to just merely have woken up with it for the first time. But then again Potter has a rather large knife so it’s best to stay safe and avoid that topic.
“It’s nice to meet you.” Bowing in response, or well a curtsy but pointing it out would likely end with me being pointed out of in a more literal sense so bowing it is.
Anyway with that I go round to the last few groups of strangers. Starting with a black haired guy with charcoal eyes dressed in a long black overcoat over black shirt and trousers with black shoes and two swords hung in black sheaths across his back. Seriously a guy with a love of black it seems.
Talking to a shorter girl garbed in an odd black kimono-like garb with wooden sandals over long white socks and with a white coat draped over all that with the kanji for twelve on her back. Also an ornate black blade hung at her waist.
Stepping closer to the duo I felt an odd aura of power as they both turn to me. “Ah, hello!” Begins the guy politely. “I’m Kazuto, Kazuto Kirigaya. The Ultimate Swordsman.”
“And I’m R.R. or Rin I guess. Ultimate Scout. It’s a pleasure.” Bowing slightly I return it before returning the favour.
“Hajime Hinata. And I don’t remember my talent. It’s nice to meet you both.” With that they both turn back to their conversation about sword styles (?) weird topic.
Shrugging it off I go over to a girl standing by her lonesome at the side. She looked a bit younger than the rest of us - barring Degurechaff - and had her dirty blond hair tied up into short twin tails behind her back. She wore a school uniform like Misaka’s under a large black nondescript coat. With the only other features standing out being her bright red and white shoes and her deep dim eyes.
“Oh?” She speaks up at my approach. “Introductions… right.” She gloomily begins before tiredly saying. “Maka Albarn, Ultimate Scythe Wielder.”
She seems a bit out of it. Maybe all the tensions getting to her. “Uh, I’m Hajime Hinata and I’m sure we’ll figure out what’s going on soon!” I firmly declare with as much confidence as I could muster.
Giving me a weak smile she adds. “Yeah, sure.”
Though she doesn’t sound so sure I like to hope I helped somewhat. But regardless the conversation was over, or so it felt anyway, so I headed off to the last two girls.
One of whom was a long haired blond wearing flimsy white armour all over. She was muttering about something I couldn’t pick up as a polite brown haired - seriously a lot of people with brown hair here, weird - girl wearing a long teal dress under a red hoodie and blue scarf. She seemed murky confused under her rounded glasses at the formers behaviour but as I approached she turned over to me.
“Oh hello there. Hinata right?” Raising a finger in count almost she steps closer to me. Her blue eyes widening slightly. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m… Sen Takaski, Ultimate Author.”
Backing away tensely I pause in return. Feeling oddly like an insect under a microscope before this rather good looking girl.
‘She’s dangerous.’ Confirms the voice as it fades away again.
Yeah, even I can tell that much… somehow.
“Uh, Hajime. Hajime Hinata.” Awkwardly introducing myself I step towards the last unknown girl as the supposed Author continues watching by oddly. “And you are?” I ask the last girl as she glances at me.
“Darkness. And I can tell what you’re doing.” Why do I have a bad idea about this? “You’re disrobing me in your mind! Ripping my clothes to shreds as your hands go and-“ Tuning off her red faced rambling I glance over at the significantly less weird Takaski who whispers.
“She’s the Ultimate Masochist. Use protection Hinata~” Ignoring her teasing I quickly back far, far, far away from the duo. I’m so not dealing with all that right now.
Settling down in the centre of the square I finally glance up at the large empty podium standing there. Checking my tablet reveals the time to be 7:57, meaning I’ve got only a few minutes left before this ‘mayor’ appears.
Well best figure out this weird voice thing then. Are you there?
Sighing it begins. ‘Well you may as well know who I am. Considering what we’ll soon be thrusted into.’
Pausing for a moment it introduces itself. ‘I’m Izuru Kamakura, the Ultimate Hope. And I only have two words of advice for you.’
What are they?
‘Don’t die.’
With that a loud bell chimes across the plaza. All of us, even Misaka and Midoriya who turned back up at some point - the latter considerably fried and still jittering a bit - glance around impatiently in confusion.
What’s going on? The announcement?
“Testing. Testing.” Rings out an unnaturally cheery voice that sends shivers down my spine.
‘Of course.’ Comments Kamakura as the voice continues on.
“One two three. Testing? Is everybody here? Perfect. Now everyone! Turn your attention to the podium!” Turning as ordered we all look over as it finishes. “Brilliant, now introducing the wondrous, the magnificent, the amazing!”
Popping up from below the podium a large rounded plush bear coloured white in the left side and black on the right with a rounded tummy. His right red eye contrasting his button black left as large sweeping wings coloured the same way as his skin crown out form him as he soars upwards majestically.
Towering over us like a god of death he floats slowly to the ground as fireworks are suddenly set off and a trumpet fan fares his landing. Wings popping off he finishes his prior speech. “The wonderful Mayor Monokuma!”
“A bear?” Exclaims Lamprogue in mild confusion as Elric swears up a storm.
“Because of bloody course it is. Damn Truth to hell.”
“Ooh. That was quite an entrance.” Comments Midoriya as she claps lightly.
“Is this really the time to congratulate it?” Exclaims Misaka brashly. “I mean it’s a freaking talking bear, which while not the strangest thing I’ve ever seen, certainly comes close.”
“Tell me about it.” Grumbled Potter as he brushed the ground with a broom that appeared from seemingly nowhere.
“I’m not a bear!” Declares the self-proclaimed Mayor as he raises his claws. “I’m Monokuma! The one, the only and magnificent mayor of this amazing city!”
“Woo!” Cheers Midoriya as several of our group glare at her.
“At least someone’s appreciative.” Blushes the bear as he changes the topic. “Anyway, welcome one and all to Despair City! Population sixteen of our finest talents from far and wide! Who, barring a certain foreseen circumstance, henceforth will reside here until the end of their lives.”
“What!” Yells out Albarn furiously. “The hell do you mean we’re staying here?”
“I mean what I say.” Retorts the bear. “For the rest of your lives you lot shall be confined to this city. Them’s the rules!”
More yells now join hers.
“What?” Goes Misaka.
“Why the hell would we follow that?” Huffs Elric.
“Yeah, why do we have to do whatever you’re saying!” Finishes Nagito calmly, an odd air wrapping around him as he glares at the bear.
“If you don’t follow the Legislations you’ll suffer a…” He raises his hands over his mouth in mock-whisper. “Punishment. Puhuhuhu.”
“And what about that foreseen circumstance you mentioned.” Comments Akechi. “You mentioned it as being an exception to the permanent residence clause.”
“I’m so glad you asked!” The bear cheerfully declares so lightheartedly that shivers rang across the crowd on a dime. “Why that’s quite simple. If our peaceful life together is disturbed someway then it would have to end wouldn’t it?”
“And that way being?” Asks Rose quietly without a trace of inflection or concern in her voice.
“Why Murder of course!” Cheerfully states the bear as an uproar begins again. “Stabbing! Yah yah yah! Electrocution! Buzz, buzz! Strangling! Crushing! Dicing! Poisoning! The works! Anything counts, so go wild~ Puhuhuhu~”
“That makes no sense.” Dryly comments Lamprouge. “Why have us just go and go through all the effort to build this city place if we’re simply supposed to murder each other?”
“Ooh! Eyed keenly you are. Nurture you must.” The hell is he talking like Yoda for? I’m more confused than scared now. “And of course it ain’t that simple! You think a measly little murder is all I’m asking for? No! You gotta do it and get away with it in a Class Trial!”
“A class trial.” I dryly repeat, in anticipation for an explanation.
“Yeah, and I can’t be bothered so I’ll explain all that later then.” Groaning in frustration, a feat shared by several others among our numbers, I watch as the bear continues on unfazed. “Well then, everything else is explained in your Monopads! So happy killings!”
With that he vanishes away in the blink of an eye. Leaving us all eying each other, an unusual tension ripping through us all.
As suddenly we’d went from budding acquaintances to enemies.
And our peaceful lives became a Despair filled game of life and death. Which would effect our whole lives henceforth.